Representatives from 19 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean met in Costa Rica from February 3 to 7 to participate in the process of reviewing and updating the Cáritas Internationalis (EGCI) Management Standards. The meeting was attended by 28 people and sought to promote the culture of encounter and active participation in the vision, mission and identity of Cáritas.

The EGCI establish key principles to guarantee transparency, efficiency and ethics in its humanitarian mission. These standards cover governance, promoting clear organizational structures and responsible leadership; management, ensuring transparent financial and operational practices; and protection, focused on safeguarding people and preventing any form of abuse.

Listening and participation

Annamária Vrzáčková, from Cáritas Internationalis, highlighted the importance of the meeting within the framework of the review process. "This is a very important moment, because we need to consult this region also about their differences, their opinions, how to improve this program. This is a very long process, because in this year we are going to see If we need to improve this program, and what we need to change."

For Carla Blenda Cordeiro, from Cáritas Brasileira, shared her country's experience. "We, as Brazilian Caritas, bring our experience. Recently, in 2024, we received our international Caritas management standards certificate, and we evaluate that this process is very important and enriching for all Caritas in Latin America and the Caribbean, together with Cáritas Internacionalis."

Hyde Constantine-Felix, from Cáritas Antillas, highlighted the importance of coordination and exchange of experiences: "There have been three days of intense work, reviewing the standards, which we now understand how important they are to help us be coordinated in our origins, in our actions towards the rest of the world. We have worked together, we have exchanged ideas, we have exchanged experiences, to help us do it better."

Verónica Alcántara, from Cáritas Mexicana, described the meeting as an enriching experience. "A very rich meeting of sharing, learning, and above all fraternal cooperation. It has been three days of a lot of work, of many challenges, however we are very encouraged to continue working so that our organizations can be strengthened with these management standards."

The meeting in Costa Rica represents an important step in strengthening the management of Cáritas in the region and its commitment to the organization's mission at an international level.